The showbiz industry has lost another world-class icon. Veteran actress Jaclyn Jose shook the Internet with her sudden passing at 60 years old.
Her talent agency, PPL Entertainment Inc. announced the sad news in a statement. "It saddens us to inform everyone of the untimely passing of Miss Jaclyn Jose (real name Mary Jane Guck). More details will be shared as soon as they are available," the agency's statement read. PPL Entertainment asks netizens to give Jaclyn's family due respect and privacy.
Andi Eigenmann confirms the cause of Jaclyn Jose's death
On the afternoon of March 4, 2024, Jaclyn's daughter, Andi Eigenmann, spoke to the press confirming that Jaclyn died due to myocardial infarction or heart attack, the morning of March 2, 2024.
"Her undeniable legacy will definitely forever live on through her work, through her children, through her grandchildren, and the many lives she's touched. She herself, her life itself was her greatest obra maestra," a tearful Andi stated.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Jean Fajardo also spoke about Jaclyn's demise in a press briefing. Spokesperson Jean noted that the family does not see any foul play in the actress' death.
Jaclyn is one stellar actress. She had given life to so many roles, most were antagonist or kontrabida ones, like Senyora Santibañez in the iconic Philippine adaptation of Marimar. Her impact as an actress went beyond the realms of teleseryes but of course up until to the world of international films.
In 2016, Jaclyn became the first Pinay to receive the Best Actress award at the 69th Cannes Film Festival. She bagged the prestigious award because of her astounding role in Brillante Mendoza's crime drama, Ma'Rosa. It was one of the projects that she did with her daughter Andi.
But aside from touching lives through her roles, Jaclyn had touched lives with her love and kindness toward other people, especially her colleagues. Several local celebrities paid tribute to the well-respected actress.
Celebrities mourn the passing of Jaclyn Jose
Kapamilya star Dimples Romana remembered Jaclyn for their unforgettable heart-to-heart moments back when they were both filming for the movie, Minsan May Isang Puso, in 2001.
"Lost another true icon @jaclynjose. Tita Jane, I remember all the laughter, the lessons you generously taught me as a young actor back when we were shooting this movie in 2001 and for our May Minamahal remake. Mahal kita at laging yayakap ng mahigpit. You will never be forgotten," Dimples wrote on Instagram.
Andi later on left a reply to Dimples saying, "Mahal kita ate ko." The two worked together as sibiling on the hit Philippine drama 'The Greatest Love.'
Another actress, Andrea Torres, wrote a heart-tugging message for Jaclyn on IG. Andrea and Jaclyn worked together on several projects like Alyas Robinhood, The Better Woman, and more. It's no surprise they've created a mother-daughter bond.
True enough, Andrea calls Jaclyn, "nanay." "Ang dami mong naiwan sakin Nay. Alam mo kung gaano ka kahalaga sa akin at gaano kita kamahal at 'yun na lang ang pinanghahawakan ko," Andrea began in her post.
She recounted the moments that Jaclyn stood by her side back when she was still a rookie actress. Andrea revealed how much compassion and kindness Jaclyn had for her.
"Naalala ko nung nagsisimula pa lang ako, hindi ako makapaniwala, pinagtatanggol mo ako. Touched na touched ako sa malasakit mo sakin." Andrea continued.
Andrea calls herself lucky for experiencing Jaclyn's love and kindness. "Malambot ang puso mo. Madali ka lang pasiyahin. A brilliant actress and a brilliant mother, lagi ko ngang sinasabi sa'yo. Ang sarap sarap mong mahalin Nay at ang sarap sarap mo ring magmahal."
Andrea ended her post with the line, "Pipikit na lang ako at aabangan ko pa rin dun ang smile of approval mo. I love you Nay Jane. Pahinga ka na po."
Jaclyn is an absolute mother figure to most people she has worked with, like Alden Richards. Alden posted his photo with Jaclyn and wrote, "My heart aches like a son who lost his mom… You will be with me always. I love you my tita Jane." They worked together in the teleserye The World Between Us.
Kylie Padilla regards Jaclyn as her mother and a friend to her. In another emotional post for the veteran actress, Kylie was one of the many artists that Jaclyn had deep and fun conversations with. She also shared about seeing Jaclyn in her dreams the night before Jaclyn's death was announced. Kylie and Jaclyn worked together in Bolera.
"I remember our heart to heart conversations under the stars sa taping ng bolera. We talked about motherhood. Life. And love. I loved your energy. I remember the scenes sa bolera na di tayo makapagpigil ng kakatawa kasi ganun ka kasaya kasama. Thank you for being mom to me but also being a friend to me. It’s only a comfort that I saw you last night in my dreams smiling, I got a sense that you were at peace wherever you were. And that’s what you deserve. RIP Tita Jane," Kylie's post read.
Meanwhile, Kapuso actress Katrina Halili could not believe the news of Jaclyn's passing. In a post, she revealed that she last spent time with Jaclyn two weeks ago. "Thank you tita jhane, dinalaw mo pa ako 2weeks ago para i comfort ako, salamat sa mahigpit na yakap, oras at pagmamahal. Rest in peace. mahal kita!" Katrina wrote. Weeks ago, Katrina was also mourning the death of her non-showbiz boyfriend, Jeremy Guiab.
Gardo Verzosa and Jaclyn's connection goes a long way back. They have been together since the early days of their acting career. He calls her, "Abe." Gardo posted on IG with the caption, "mahal na mahal kita abe. masakit na paalam. magkwewentuhan pa tayo di ba," with lots of crying emojis in the middle.
One of the well-loved kontrabidas in the showbiz industry did not let the chance to express how much of an inspiration Jaclyn was. Gladys Reyes uploaded a video where Jaclyn can be seen telling her how proud she is of Gladys. The video also captured Jaclyn's humor. The two first worked together in Lovingly Yours, Helen in 1986.
"Ate Jane @jaclynjose , nakakagulat naman, binigla mo kaming lahat. ang dami nating pinagsamahan, simula 9 years old ako sa Lovingly Yours Helen hanggang dito sa huling movie natin na Apag, di ka nagbago sakin. Isa itong vlog na to sa di ko makakalimutan na masayang bonding natin sa set. Salamat sa mga tips, pag-alaga mo sakin na parang ate kita talaga. Nabawasan na naman ng isang magaling at de kalibreng aktor ang industriya.
Mamimiss namin ang nag-iisang Jacklyn Jose," Glady's post read.
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